Agenda item

Housing Benefit Reforms and the Impact on Slough

That the current position regarding the placement by other Local Authorities of individuals into emergency private rented accommodation within Slough, and the resulting impact on services be examined.

Employment Support for People with Disabilities

Recommendations taken with item six.

The Cabinet was presented with a report advising of recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 11^th October 2011 and the Health Scrutiny Panel held on 13^th October 2011.

Housing Benefit Reforms and the Impact on Slough

The Cabinet was advised that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered a report on the Government’s current and proposed changes to the Housing Benefit system, and how the impact of the changes were being addressed.  It was noted that in last 18 months the housing demand in Slough had increased by 30% and that the reforms proposed by the Government’s welfare reforms were likely to lead to an increase in unmet need and greater demand for services.  The Cabinet was advised that a number of local authorities repeatedly sent clients to Slough on the grounds that they were unable to provide emergency services themselves.

Resolved:

That the current position regarding the placement by other Local Authorities of individuals into emergency private rented accommodation within Slough, and the resulting impact on services be examined.

Employment Support for People with Disabilities

Resolved:  That the recommendations of the Health Scrutiny Panel from its meeting on 13^th October 2011, as detailed at minute 51, be noted.